[hictchewisa]

I am 20 years old. I am skeptical of reincarnation. I have come to question the legitimacy of a higher power that want such praise.

welcome brother Teep

personally, i have been meditating for more years than your good life & received great satisfaction from Buddhism (but never believed in reincarnation or god). the best benefits of buddhism are not related to beliefs

I used to be pretty aggressive. Heavy drinker. Smoked weed, partied, stole, fought, etc. I've done some time in prison and been in and out of jail. I've moved past these things and done my best to put them behind me. I want to live a moral life and have nothing but total respect for Buddhism. So, considering all these things... am I on the right path for studying Buddhism?

yes, you are certainly on the right path for studying Buddhism. please feel welcome to both this forum and Buddhism in general. Buddhism is a path of learning from experience & moving forwards

warm regards

element




He who having been heedless is heedless no more, illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds.

He, who by good deeds covers the evil he has done, illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds.

Buddha Let one not trace back the past
Or yearn for the future-yet-to-come.
What is past
is left behind.
The future
is as yet unreached.
Whatever quality is present
you clearly see right there,
right there.
Not taken in,
unshaken,
that's how you develop the heart.

Buddha